Corydalis is a genus of about 300 species some people consider to belong to Fumariaceae family. Others chose to include this family as a subfamily, Fumarioideae, in the Papaveraceae family. This genus is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, North America, and the mountains of Africa. Some have tubers or enlarged rhizomes, and others are strictly fibrous-rooted. The former are handily divided into woodland and scree species, for purposes of cultivation. The tuberous species in particular are often grown in bulb collections and are propagated by increase of the tubers (typically slow) or by seed (which germinates best if sown fresh). Seeds collected and sown within the year at the beginning of fall (September-October) usually yields good germination. Seeds should be stored in moist sand, which seems to help with viability. Many beautiful images of the geophytic forms can be seen on John Lonsdale's website.
Corydalis henrikii is native to Turkey. Photo by Jane McGary
Corydalis solida is native to Europe and Asia is found in meadows or woodlands. There is considerable variation in the leaves and the flower color, the latter varying from white to pink and purple with the most common color being dull purple. There is also a deep reddish-brick form and many attractive cultivars with interesting markings. Photographs of seeds on a 10mm grid and bulbs by David Pilling.
'Beth Evans' is one popular cultivar. In the garden it behaves like other Spring bulbs, starting to grow at the end of Winter, flowering and then dying back by the start of Summer. It has proved trouble free. Photo David Pilling
